there are days like this…tanka series

there are days like this…

the weather
has changed to misty grey
summer
held in check and global heat
is swept under cover

that is…
until the fires sweep again
strange things
happening to our air, waters, soil
stirring doubts at tea parties

why bear children
in a world that won’t
be around
much longer
so the prophets claim

I still have hope
I guess–maybe–who cares
let the future
take care of itself
I’m retired

sirens blow
every hour day and night
heart attack
robbery murder rape
play it louder–I’m deaf

waiting
for the aliens to come down
and teach us
show us humans
how to live another way

Genie Nakano, Sept. 5, 2018